2013年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_An_Interim_Plan_for_South_4页_92kb

Summary of An Interim Plan for South-East Europe

Core Content

The document outlines an interim plan for South-East Europe (SEE) that focuses on economic integration and regional cooperation in the context of the EU's enlargement process. It proposes two key initiatives to support the region's development: expanding the EU-Turkey Customs Union to include the entire Western Balkans and establishing a regional Schengen Agreement for the free movement of people.

Main Recommendations

1. Customs Union with the EU and the Whole of South-East Europe

• The Amato report (April 2005) initially set 2014 as the target for EU accession of the Western Balkans, but this timeline is no longer feasible due to the EU's current stance.
• A Customs Union between the EU, Turkey, and the Western Balkans is proposed as a strategic alternative to EU membership, to avoid the region being marginalized by new EU members.
• The Customs Union would allow tariff- and quota-free trade for exports from the Western Balkans to the EU, while giving them a 5-year transition period to phase out their own tariffs and adopt the EU's common external tariff.
• This would facilitate direct investment from the EU and reduce the burden of rules of origin for exports.
• The Customs Union would also provide a fresh argument for sustained adjustment aid for the region, rather than reducing allocations.

2. South-East European Schengen Agreement

• The EU's visa policy has created a "ghetto" effect, isolating SEE states and increasing corruption and criminal activity at borders.
• A regional Schengen Agreement is proposed to allow visa-free travel across the entire SEE region, including both EU member states and non-member states.
• This would prevent the Western Balkans from being excluded from the Schengen area and would retain the hard Schengen frontier with the EU.
• The EU should not require new member states to impose visa restrictions on SEE states, allowing for a gradual transition to full Schengen compliance.

Key Information

• Recent Developments:
  • Accession negotiations have started with Turkey and Croatia.
  • Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) are being negotiated with Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia.
  • Regional energy and transport initiatives are progressing, including the Energy Community and the Single European Sky.
• Challenges:
  • The EU's enlargement has increased the comparative disadvantage of Western Balkan states.
  • Visa requirements between SEE states and EU members are unenforceable and encourage corruption.
• Strategic Importance:
  • The Customs Union and Schengen Agreement would mobilise political and business support for the region.
  • These initiatives would support economic integration and avoid marginalisation in the face of EU expansion.
• Pending Issues:
  • Independence of Montenegro.
  • Final status of Kosovo.
  • Phasing out the protectorate in Bosnia.

Conclusion

The document argues that while EU enlargement cannot be rushed, strategic economic initiatives such as the Customs Union and regional Schengen can sustain regional development and enhance integration. These measures, combined with ongoing efforts in energy and transport, could serve as a core framework for the region's future, pending resolution of political and constitutional issues.

Annex A: Free Trade Agreements in SEE (as of 9 June 2005)

• Moldova is associated with an extended timeline.
• Serbia & Montenegro started negotiations under the name FR Yugoslavia.
• UNMIK/Kosovo agreements are in line with UNSCR 1244.

About CEPS

• Founded in 1983, CEPS is an independent policy research institute.
• Its goals include academic excellence, policy independence, and constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
• It has seven research networks and a network of external collaborators.
• CEPS organises various activities, including task forces, conferences, and training seminars, to influence European policy.